SAVAGE RED SONJA #2, by Dynamite Comics on 11/29/23, puts Red Sonja in the crosshairs of undead bandits and vengeful princes when her trek to find a rare jewel in the middle of a wasteland comes at a lethal cost.
The Details
- Written by: Dan Panosian
- Art by: Alessio Petillo
- Colors by: Francesco Segala, Gloria Martinelli
- Letters by: Dave Sharpe
- Cover art by: Dan Panosian (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 29, 2023
Is SAVAGE RED SONJA #2 Good?
Short, simple, and to the point. Dan Panosian’s sophomore chapter for the She-Devil with a Sword delivers loads of action, strong emotional beats, and an uncertain ending that might set the stage for trouble in the future. We noted how the first issue was solid but not terribly original, but Panosian infuses enough surprises in issue #2 to give the series a stronger hook.
When last we left Red Sonja, she found traveling companions in Prince Lucian and his dear Celia while heading for King Gresh’s abandoned castle. Lucian hoped to reclaim his father’s kingdom with Celia as his queen, while Red Sonja sought to find the rare jewel hidden in the castle’s walls. Now, the undead bandits harass the trio right to King Gresh’s castle gates, causing serious wounds and death.
Readers who pick up this issue might be slightly confused by the ending because it almost reads like the story is over. It’s not. The first leg of the adventure is over, but the story will continue into 2024, so resist your urge to think this is a two-shot.
What’s great about SAVAGE RED SONJA #2? To Panosian’s credit, he does what so few comic writers accomplish – he lets the art tell (part of) the story. Red Sonja’s actions, posture, gestures, and facial acting go a long way toward communicating her intent and emotions. Better still, kudos to Panosian for incorporating death into the outcome to incorporate consequences and true stakes into the story.
What’s not so great about SAVAGE RED SONJA #2? Panosian’s voice for Red Sonja seems off. His version of the world’s greatest warrior is apprehensive and unsure of herself, second-guessing her decisions more than once. Red Sonja should be a more confident character than the one presented here.
How’s the art? The art is just okay. Alessio Petillo’s style gives you just enough detail to present a serviceable set of visuals, but the line work lacks detail, and Red Sonja does not present as a strong, powerful character. In short, the art is a mixed bag.
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What’s SAVAGE RED SONJA #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our SAVAGE RED SONJA #1 review to find out how Red Sonja was hired for her quest.
We begin with Red Sonja, Prince Lucian, and Celia riding hard toward King Gresh’s abandoned castle. They barely make it over the bridge which spans a bottomless moat when a band of undead bandits attempt to cross in pursuit. Red Sonja and her allies begin to destroy the bridge to block the undead bandits from passing, but Claudia loses her footing and falls. Red Sonia grabs Claudia’s arm to save her, but the bandits fire enough arrows to strike Red Sonja and loosen her grip.
Prince Lucian flies into a rage against Red Sonja and the undead bandits for letting Claudia die. He leaps over the chasm to attack the undead bandits, but he loses his life to overwhelming numbers of attackers. An injured Red Sonja works her way into the castle to tend her wounds and rest. After a troubled sleep, Red Sonja hears someone moving around in the castle’s throne room.
We conclude the issue with a battle in the garden, a helpful voice, and a frantic ride.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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SAVAGE RED SONJA #2 significantly improves on the first issue with consequences, stakes, and the promise of trouble in the future. Panosian’s story has the benefit of letting the art tell part of the story for a richer comic storytelling experience. That said, Panosian’s voice for Red Sonja feels off, and the art lacks detail.
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